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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6 |
I am looking into music making as a hobby, so very new to this. I discovered Band in a Box via Internet searching and think it might be what I'm looking for, but before shelling out to get it I'm hoping you might provide me some advice. I know very little about music theory, and find using programs like Logic Express, Sony Music Studio, and even garage band to be either way too complicated or just not providing what I'm looking for. I am looking for something that will take some of my basic ideas for how I want my songs to sound without me needing to 1) know how to play a real instrument like a piano or guitar (I am trying to learn), and 2) can perhaps generate my song from me inputing key paramaters like the chords. What caught my attention with Band in a Box was it appears to do #2 exactly. I would really appreciated advice - especially from other newbies. Does it have a steap learning curve or can you begin being productive right out of the box? I was hoping they offered a limited time/feature demo version to trial, but I don't see anywhere where a trial version is available, so really relying on others recommendations before I buy. Thanks 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,645
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,645 |
chiguy,
I'm not a newbie but BIAB does indeed allow you to enter chords and then it will play an accompaniment. You can then record yourself singing of humming the melody if you wanted. You could also enter a melody using the keyboard of a mouse. The accompaniment is chosen from one of a few thousand styles! It's a brilliant program.
PGMusic do offer 30 days money back if you are not satisfied. They will stand by this. Over the years, I have learned that PGMusic has a huge amount of integrity and that they look after their customers really, really well. I'd also imagine, that if you purchased an entry pack into BIAB and then decided that you wanted to upgrade with 30 days, PGMusic would assist. It might pay to drop them an email and ask about this, though.
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,043
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,043 |
<I am looking into music making as a hobby...> Well I'm not a newbie either, but I once was not so long ago. This is exactly how I started almost 17 years ago. I found BIAB early in the process and have not looked back since. BIAB has been with me thorough this "hobby", obsession, release, passion, love affair, addiction, for the entire time. It has never ceased to challenge me and fuel my education and creative juices for this art form. So do I recommned it? You bet. But be sure to supplement it with the more traditional teaching and learning methods. BIAB will not make you a musician, but it can make you a better musician. Good Luck and Welcome to the forum.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Welcome, chiguy Yes. PG software should DEFINITELY be on your list of 'must have' music software. I have been using the programmes here for over 15 years and have never found anything better, more intuitive or more useful. And every six months or so, it just gets better!  However, I wonder about your personal situation. What instrument are you learning? Are you a singer? Is your music theory knowledge better than your playing? What exactly do you want to achieve? BIAB will do all that you have asked and more - at a click or two of the mouse, you can generate whole new songs, including arrangement, solos and melodies. You can then include RealTracks, and make any adjustments you want before taking it to RealBand for extra additions, re-recording, mixing and mastering. However, some sixth sense intuition tells me that you might well consider looking at M$ SongSmith at this time. PG is also involved in that
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 24
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 24 |
Buy it, with all the Real Drums and Real Tracks you can afford the next time a special pops around. Or buy the Audiophile edition. I am a songwriter and used BIAB for drafting songs and then even developing very good drafts. The piano, bass, and drums on both of the songs "Dancing With You" and "For Our Childrens Children" were directly from BIAB: http://www.myspace.com/tallpaulandfriendsYou can't beat it for a quick way to change tempo, change keys, change style, add instrumentalists... you name it. And RealTracks is the icing on the cake. If you have a great synth, you can even get great sounds via MIDI. For example, the piano in For Our Childrens Children is MIDI then sent into my external Roland synth. Paul
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163 |
Get it. Biab is worth more then they charge for the program. You don't have to be a musician to use it either, as long as you know some chords and song structure. Input the chords, pick a style and off you go.
Trax
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,752
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,752 |
as far value for the money and living up to the claims made by the publisher you won't find better products then those sold by PG music
it is your expectations regarding what you expect to get from the effort you put into the program that need to be clear
try and write down as specific as you Can what you expect to do and what you expect from the program to do
the money back guarantee is REAL and the PG organization first rate i have found the crippled demos more frustrating in that i am usually unable to save work
i have found it helpful to watch the mew features videos from the earliest to the latest as well as review the FAQ section this has given me a better idea of what to expect from the programs
you can find these by clicking on the support menu'
hope you decide join the club and can experience the fun the rest of us are having
oh yeah if you have questions along the way you won't find a more helpful and s supportive neighborhood
M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem M3 MacBook Air 16GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6 |
Thanks everyone for your input. I decided to invest in BIAB 2009.5 for Windows today. I think this will help me as I begin my journey with this hobby. I am trying to learn electric guitar, and I think BIAB will be useful. I like the way it can generate a complete song based on my input. If nothing else, it looks like it will be a fun tool to use.
I've installed it and applied the 285 patch that was supplied and everything went fine. Now I am trying to apply the latest patch (287) but I keed getting errors that in cannot find or cannot delete bbw.exe. Anyone know a solution - I have to abort the patch to get past the error - I am too hesitent to say ignore it. I'll search the forum to see if anyone has posted on this problem.
Again, thanks everyone for your advice. I really appreciated it.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,849
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,849 |
Hi, Chiguy -
What operating system are you using? If Vista, you might want to try right clicking on the path 287 update file and select "run as administrator". See if that helps.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
If you just bought BIAB today, it should already be the latest version.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6 |
Quote:
Hi, Chiguy -
What operating system are you using? If Vista, you might want to try right clicking on the path 287 update file and select "run as administrator". See if that helps.
Tried running as Administrator, got same error. Decided to try a reboot - that worked. The magic Windows Reboot seems to solve most problems 
Thanks
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,645
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,645 |
Chiguy,
You can see what what version BIAB you have by going to HELP >> ABOUT BAND IN A BOX. It will give you a version (2009.5) and in brackets beside that will be the update number.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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